Multivitamins: Medicine For The Mind?

If you already pop a multivitamin—like nearly 50% of adults—add this to the list of reasons to maintain that healthy habit: You’ll cut your stress, anxiety, and levels of fatigue, according to new research published in Psychosomatic Medicine.

Researchers analyzed eight studies of 1,300 adults taking a multivitamin supplement for at least 28 days, and found that people who popped multivitamins for at least a month enjoyed a 65% and 68% reduction in stress and anxiety, respectively, and reported 73% less fatigue.

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Getting ample quantities of vitamins and minerals improves the function of enzymes that regulate brain processes responsible for mood, and multivitamins provide additional nutrients beyond what you may be getting from your diet, researchers explain.

Taking multivitamins that supply high doses of B vitamins—some up to five times the recommended daily allowance—is more strongly associated with this mood bump, the study also noted. “B vitamins are used to convert food into energy, produce stress hormones, and help your nervous system function properly," says registered dietitian Ilyse Schapiro. "That means even normal, everyday stress can deplete the body’s supply of Bs."

Although it’s ideal to get nutrients from food (your body absorbs them best this way), taking a multivitamin is a smart move to fill in any potential gaps. Not sure how to find the best one for your body? We've got you covered, with our Definitive Guide To Women's Vitamins.